The brash action of Russian President Vladimir Putin to invade neighboring Ukraine confounded military experts, but no one imagined the young nation would be able to put up a resistance that the world is now witnessing. Thus far, it appears this defiance has been fueled by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s sheer force of will. So how has this political upstart managed to keep hope alive against such odds?
Volodymyr Zelensky (Photo credit Yurii Rylchuk/ Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images)
The story of Ukraine’s David to Russia’s Goliath appears to be unfolding, baffling those who believed that Ukraine would crumble in a matter of days in the face of overwhelming Russian military forces. But here we are. Russia is doing its darnedest to topple Kyiv but hasn’t yet managed to grab that brass ring, and many are saying the Ukrainian president has much to do with the fortitude of his military and people. As well as danger on the ground from rocket fire, it is being widely reported that Putin has special forces hunting down Zelensky in an effort to assassinate him and his top aides.
Following two days of fierce fighting, the United States reached out to evacuate the president whose personal popularity had hit the skids leading up to the conflict. The offer was met with surprising rejection. In turning down the offer, Zelensky countered with: “The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride.” With that statement alone, it could be argued that a hero was born.
Inspiration and Fortitude
Zelensky can be considered a Trumpian archetype of sorts. Television celebrity turned politician, populist and anti-establishment, he exploded onto the Ukrainian political scene in 2019. In a national election, the newcomer bludgeoned incumbent President Petro Poroshenko by winning 73.2% of the vote. It was a slaughter.
Who is this man who lived to entertain people and now stands with courage defending his country under siege by the second largest military power on Earth?
Much like Donald Trump, the former TV star is a controversial figure. His positions on policy issues can only be regarded as perplexing: As a left-leaning politician, he supports free abortions and the use of medical marijuana, and has also opposed deregulating firearms. And yet, as soon as Russia crossed Ukraine's borders, he switched 180 degrees and began supplying all who were willing with firearms, a position that many leftists in America are having trouble reconciling with their traditional gun control narrative. However, the most potent weapon in Zelensky’s arsenal may be his 21st-century, down-to-earth communication style. He exudes grit and tenacity with his social media messages that can’t help but encourage resistance. “All of us are here. Our military is here, citizens and society are here. We are all here, defending our independence, our state. It will continue to be so. Glory to our men and women defenders. Glory to Ukraine,” he announced among what looked strikingly similar to a bunch of Ukrainian dudes in an after-party selfie.
Whether Zelensky was taking notes when Trump descended on Twitter and practically owned the platform before the social media gods summarily exiled him to the equivalent of a high-tech gulag is unknown. But as a president whose country is being invaded with overwhelming force, the 44-year-old’s smartphone is more effective than a Sherman tank. And his absolute valor in the face of personal peril has garnered much worldwide sympathy.
The Ukrainian president’s messages have inspired anti-war Germans and Russians to march for peace by the thousands. Russia is not exactly a bastion of free speech and assembly, but almost 6,000 protesters were hauled off to jail last week. A couple of hundred pro-Ukrainian protesters even took to the streets of San Francisco.
The embattled Zelensky’s messages -- which Russia has not been able to halt -- ooze boldness and courage. In speaking of the young leader, a few Brits have even mentioned the “C” word, comparing him to Winston Churchill, who once motivated his nation to fight on, saying, “ … we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender …"
While President Joe Biden has been unable to accomplish political unity since his inaugural address, which repeatedly promised it, Zelensky has done just that. “The world is standing up, frankly, in ways I haven’t seen since 9/11,” Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) told NBC’s Chuck Todd. Meanwhile, on the other side of the aisle, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) retweeted an inspiring Zelensky video.
Such as it is, Volodymyr Zelensky’s words and actions now have much of the world rooting for him and the people of Ukraine. The fact that a relative newcomer to the political scene is yanking Putin’s chain – and it’s working – is a testament to the power of thoughts and words over guns and tanks.
~ Read more from Leesa K. Donner.
